Seasonal Outdoor Instructor at Slide Ranch
Job posting here and below...
Slide Ranch Seasonal Instructor Position, with Ranch Caretaker Work
Term of work Jan 23-May 27, 2023
Slide Ranch is a non-profit educational farm located in a spectacular coastal location and can be found on Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway), just 25 minutes north of San Francisco.
Mission Statement
We connect children and people of all ages to the outdoors and partner with community groups, families and educators to provide transformative learning experiences on our organic farm and national park land along the California coast.
We envision a world in which:
Everyone feels a sense of belonging and wonder in the outdoors. Life-changing experiences in nature are an important part of every child’s education. All people understand and value the connections between their own health, food and the environment. All people are inspired and empowered to actively protect the environment and live in ways that sustain it.
Core Values
We believe that:
Nature Immersion: Spending time and learning in the outdoors supports mental and physical well-being and fosters respect, love and understanding of nature.
Inclusion: An equitable, just approach to inclusion must address the systemic barriers that exist in our society. People of all races, backgrounds and abilities have a right to access nature, feel welcome and safe outdoors, and be able to learn in programs that are relevant to their cultures and their lives.
Community: Gathering together outdoors creates meaningful connections among people, facilitates mutual respect and understanding, enhances learning, and promotes a shared joy in nature. Building community through nature with inclusion promotes equity and justice.
Stewardship: Protecting and giving back to the land is our collective responsibility, recognizes indigenous culture and knowledge, and promotes healthy ecosystems in which people, animals and nature thrive together.
Sustainability: Sustainable farming and organizational practices honor our interconnection with nature, promote the health of our food systems and environment, and mitigate climate change.
Seasonal Instructor Position Description
The Slide Ranch Instructor position (residential or non-residential) is suited for people with experience in outdoor education and/or who enjoy working with people from all ages and backgrounds. The experiential education programs focus on exploring the farm (pasture with sheep and goats, chickens, ducks, beehives and an organic garden), trails and tide pools, and cooking from the garden. Slide Ranch’s agricultural systems and wild, coastal ecosystem provide the context for hands-on learning, illustrating concepts of ecology, stewardship and sustainability.
We are looking for someone with a passion for nature (who doesn’t mind getting dirty), an enthusiasm for outdoor education, and who enjoys working with children and people of all ages. The position is best suited for a driven, positive and independent worker. The position requires a collaborative and positive spirit to work with a team of instructors and organization staff.
The central focus of the position is on guiding groups around the farm. Slide Ranch programs serve preschool through adult visitors, with the majority being elementary school-aged children from all backgrounds. The work week (Tuesday-Saturday) typically involves 4-5 instruction days and periodically supporting garden and ranch projects. The focus is on school and community groups and family programs.
The 4 month position begins with a 2-week orientation and training period late January/early February. There are 2 days of ranch caretaker training and the remainder of the time (8 days) for instructor staff training. The school and family programs run through late May. In early June the ranch prepares for the upcoming 10 weeks of summer camp.
A typical work day includes rotational, 30-minute farm chores, preparation for the program, leading a program, and program clean-up. For overnight groups, there is also an evening program around the campfire. Several instructional observations, professional development opportunities and coaching by program staff complement the position.
Requirements
Qualifications of a Strong Applicant
Committed to the mission and vision of the organization, embody the Slide Ranch values at work (see above)
Experience in outdoor education and/or working with kids
Great communication skills, organized, high level of integrity, and positive attitude
Desire to engage in personal and organization-wide DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work
Strong individual and group management skills
Desire to work and live on an educational farm
Comfortable living in rustic accommodations
Strong comfort level leading people in the outdoors in all types of weather
Desire to work in a small, nonprofit organization
Comfort and composure when dealing with adversity and conflict
Interact positively and professionally with donors and site visitors
Be willing to take on responsibility to unexpected challenges and opportunities that arise
Bonus Qualifications
Bilingual (Spanish and English)
Physical Requirements
Duties are performed in a hilly and rural outdoor setting and can be physically demanding, including outdoor teaching in all weather, manual labor such as shoveling, lifting up to 40 lbs., and farm chores.
Application Procedure/Timeline
Send a letter of interest, resume and three references in a single PDF document. Apply via the jobs link at www.slideranch.org. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and hope to conduct interviews November thru early January. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Please note that Slide Ranch aims to increase diversity in our staff and support an instructor team that reflects the demographics of our San Francisco Bay Area community. People of all colors, cultures, class, age, genders and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply.
More information about our organization and programs can be found on our website: www.slideranch.org
Benefits
Compensation
An hourly wage with housing provided, plus paid vacation and sick time.